A FERMANAGH farmer has called for more vigilance during lambing season after a flock of his sheep was savaged in a suspected dog attack.
One animal was killed and another five sustained horrific injuries in the incident, which occurred on farmland between Tempo and Brookeborough.
Ben Parsons (58), who owns the flock of Texel sheep, described discovering the stricken animals as a “nightmare”.
Mr. Parsons said that, of the five injured sheep, three had their ears bitten off and two had their faces ripped open.
They are currently being treated by a local vet, although it is too early to say whether they will have to be put down.
Mr. Parsons said the flock of 23 animals had been particularly vulnerable as they were all ewes in lamb.
“It is lambing season and the sheep are very easily stressed at this time of year. Any excitement and they can pass away quickly,” he said.
Brendan Fee, the vet who is treating the sheep, said that the flock was likely attacked by a “big, strong” dog, given the extent of the “severe and crushing” wounds.
Mr. Fee said that he was giving the injured animals antibiotics and they would wait and see how they developed over the next couple of days.
The vet said he would deal with a couple of sheep worrying incidents every year and said that the onus was on dog owners to be more responsible.
He said: “It’s really an issue of responsible dog ownership. They need to be aware of the risks, keep their animals secure and know where they are.”
Dermot McCaughey, who works as a vet for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, said the sheep had been subjected to a “brutal canine attack”.
Mr McCaughey said: “Dogs are man’s best friends but when they are out of control the results are potentially shocking. Episodes like this highlight the animal welfare issues, financial and emotional impact. Most importantly, it is a timely reminder of the legal and moral requirement for dog owners to have constant control of their dogs. The public at large should not be reluctant to remind dog owners and relevant authorities if reporting is required.”